Devlin’s chance as Gaffney rings changes

MUNSTER coach Alan Gaffney has rung the changes for the game against The Borders this weekend.

Mike Mullins, Alan Quinlan and Eoin Reddan return to the team but much of the attention in Musgrave Park tomorrow evening will focus on rugby league convert Paul Devlin, who makes his run-on debut.

The former Widnes star scored a try when he came on as a replacement against Cardiff and is named on the wing in place of Anthony Horgan, who picked up an injury to his hamstring while training with the national squad.

Horgan is not the only Munster star to have picked up an injury training with Ireland, with David Wallace unavailable for the same reason.

Anthony Foley and Denis Leamy are ruled out of contention due to the Ireland-Canada international, so coach Gaffney will be glad to have Quinlan available for selection to strengthen the back row.

Leading Munster try-scorer Christian Cullen has started in every one of Munster’s 12 games to date but he’s given a well-earned rest this weekend.

The number 15 shirt will be worn by Shaun Payne.

Another Munster favourite who makes a welcome return is Mike Mullins, who comes into the starting line-up for the first time since he played against Glasgow in early October.

The news for Borders coach Steve Bates is not so good, as he faces an injury crisis which may force him to call up club players for the trip to Cork.

Stephen Cranston, Simon Danielli and Nikki Walker have all had knee operations and are out of contention, while centre Ally Dickson will be out for two to three weeks with a hamstring problem.

Full-back Gareth Morton sustained a serious nose fracture last weekend against Ulster and the rugby league convert may need surgery to repair the damage.

Centre Charlie Hore has a bruised leg and is considered doubtful for tomorrow, though Drew Moore, Iain Berthinussen and Ally Warnock should be able to overcome minor injuries and line out.

Munster fans should note that the game begins at 6.45pm tomorrow evening.

With Cork City sure to attract a large crowd to their vital encounter with Bohemians at Turner’s Cross, after consultation with the gardaí, the Munster branch decided to begin the game earlier than usual to facilitate local residents.

MUNSTER: Payne, Lawler, Mullins, Henderson, Devlin; Burke, Reddan; Roche, Blaney, McIlwham; Hogan, Bowman; Keogh, Williams, Quinlan. Replacements: Storey, Fogarty, Hayes, O’Connor, Prendergast, Holland, McPhail.